Aberfeldy is not a particularly well known single malt, mainly because the Dewar brothers founded the distillery in 1896 to produce malt for their blended whisky. Hence today's head-to-head tasting of Dewar's White Label -- one of the most popular blended whiskies in the States -- and one of its primary constituent malts. The two have an identical straw or pale gold color. the Aberfeldy has some sweet, light sherry on the nose, perhaps some faint bubble gum, whereas the Dewar's has a little more of a plastic note with almonds (it should be noted that I tasted both these whiskies as single malts -- neat and then with water added, whereas I normally drink the blended malt on ice, which impacts the nose and flavor). The Aberfeldy is thicker and more oily, whereas the Dewar's has a clean flavor that is a little short, but one can definitely drink it neat.
After adding water the Aberfeldy develops a flat waxy or plastic smell, perhaps some biscuit or baked good, and is less oily on the palate. The Dewar's nose dies away a bit and becomes fuller on the tongue. When I have drunk the Dewar's on ice it has a bit more smoke which I didn't notice as much with just water added. Neither one blew me away, but try the Dewar's on ice and you will find a fine drink for relaxing with after a long day at work.
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